Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 145 on the motion to instruct conferees on S. Con. Res. 95 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Stated against:

Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 146 on H. Res. 605, recognizing the importance of increasing awareness about autism, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 139 on H. Res. 600 congratulating charter schools, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 140 on H. Res. 380, recognizing the importance of music education, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 141 on H. Res. 599, congratulating the University of Connecticut Huskies, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to urge my colleagues to support an extension of unemployment benefits. During the first 6 months of 2004, an estimated 83,000 workers in the L.A. and Long Beach metropolitan area will have exhausted their jobless benefits. We hear that jobs are coming, but the anxiety is there. Our workforce is waiting to see where the jobs are.

And in my district alone, I represent the San Gabriel Valley, unemployment rates remain high. In East Los Angeles and the city of South El Monte it has remained at over 10 percent for over 3 years. In fact, the national Latino unemployment rate is 7.4 percent, way above the national, 28 percent higher than it was just 3 years ago.

And who do we have to thank? This administration. The unemployment rate is especially higher among Latino youth. It is about double.

I am urging the President and my colleagues to support these young people and help restore vital funding for job training and to extend unemployment benefits to the 2.9 million unemployed workers in America.

Mr. Speaker, I stand to recognize the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Military Intelligence Service, 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, 232nd Combat Engineer Company, 1399th Engineering Construction Battalion, and the many Japanese American men and women who bravely served our country during World War II. I also would like to recognize the leadership of the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center for organizing the Cherry Blossom Festival in West Covina, CA in honor of Asian American Heritage Month and in honor of the contribution Japanese Americans have made to the United States of America.

As the U.S. entered World War II in late 1941, many living during that period, including the government, questioned the loyalty of Japanese Americans to the United States. Sadly, thousands of Japanese Americans were heavily scrutinized and sent to live in confinement at concentration camps throughout the duration of the war. Additionally, the U.S. government would not enlist soldiers of Japanese descent into its military, due to its growing distrust of Japan. It was not until February 1, 1943, that the U.S. reversed its decision on enlisting Japanese Americans to the armed forces, as one of the first Japanese American infantry divisions known as the 442nd Regimental Combat Team was formed.

Despite their questioned patriotism, many Japanese Americans proudly demonstrated their loyalty to the U.S. by volunteering to defend their adopted country. As loyal American soldiers, they did everything necessary to assist the United States during the war. Whether it be fighting enemies in war-torn Europe, providing the U.S. military with invaluable human intelligence, or engineering and constructing military bridges with unmatched skill, Japanese Americans helped turn the tide of World War II and helped lead the United States to victory in the mid 1940s.

Although not well received by many Americans after the war and sometimes sadly forgotten in today's history books, Japanese Americans serving in World War II should and will always be remembered for their exceptional and invaluable contribution to the well being of our country. As evident in today's Cherry Blossom Festival in West Covina and throughout the nation, these unsung heroes will never be forgotten and will always share a place in American history. They have and will continue to exemplify the excellence in American leadership today.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer) for providing us with the opportunity to celebrate Earth Day. We do have much to celebrate, but we also have to reflect on what is happening here in our country and what policies are having effects in our communities.

I appreciate the fact that so many of my colleagues spoke before me very eloquently about the status of the environment here in our country. I am happy to talk a little bit about a place that I represent, and I represent the 32nd Congressional District in Southern California, much viewed by people as probably the armpit of America in many ways. Smog levels are very high. I have ownership of three Super fund sites. There are 17 gravel pits, many that are abandoned.

So we have various problems that exist in our district, many challenges, long before I was even born. But that does not mean that we give up the hope to fight to improve those conditions for the people that I represent. And I was very fortunate in the California legislature to work on environmental justice legislation, one of the first pieces of legislation in the entire country to be codified in the State of California. And as a result I believe there are close to 30 States now in this Union that have done likewise and have followed suit.

It is unfortunate, however, that this administration here does not believe in the true essence of environmental justice. And what environmental justice means for many Americans and for people that I represent is equal treatment under the law when placing projects in our districts. And, unfortunately, people have had blindfolds on their eyes when they come into our district because they place projects that have negative effects on our health in my district.

We have higher rates of asthma than other parts of L.A. County. We have children that cannot go out and play on the playgrounds when the summer heat goes up and the smog levels go up. We have children that have to go to the emergency trauma units because they are suffering from asthmatic attacks, both children and our elderly. We see that our drinking water is also contaminated.

For many years there were prior Congressmen, for example, Congressman Torres, who led the way to clean up our basin almost 20 years ago. We still have not found a solution to entirely clean up our local area. Perchloric contaminates our water. That is rocket fuel that was allowed to enter into our water table through Department of Defense contractors. Many have come to the table to try to clean that up, but we have not gone far enough.

And just yesterday we had a hearing in the Committee on Energy and Commerce regarding DOD exemptions that this administration would like to see rip away at the protections that we have in our States such as California. I came out strongly opposed to those exemptions as did many attorneys general representing many States as well as many water agencies and purveyors that want to provide clean water to millions and millions of people who live in our country. We need to do the right thing. And I know that I can count on my colleagues here that have spoken this evening to help educate the public that, in fact, there are Members of this Congress who are willing to fight, willing to stay here late, to do the right thing, to make sure that we do not erode the protections that have been in place for the last 50 years.

And, as a new Member of Congress, I would like to say that I am proud to represent the district that I come from, East Los Angeles, that many people forget about. People there are experiencing high levels of unemployment. Many of them have low skills, low educational levels; and they live in the dirtiest communities in our country, and it is not fair. That is why we need strong laws. That is why we need adequate funding to protect everybody on an equal and fair basis.

And I applaud the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer) and all the Members that have come forward tonight to share with us that Earth Day, in fact, should be a celebration for the entire world.

In Spanish we say ``para todo el mundo.'' That means the entire world. The entire world is looking at us right now to see that we do the right thing, to see that we address the issues of global warming, water pollution, clean air. Those are the things that my community is advocating for, and I am going to continue to fight for that.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Latin Business Association (LBA) for its 28 years of performing exceptional work in promoting business growth, advocacy and education for the Latino community.

Established in 1976 as a private nonprofit organization, the LBA is the nation's largest Latino business entity with an active membership of 1,200 and overall outreach to Latino business owners. LBA's membership and outreach efforts enable it to fulfill its mission of being the fastest and most effective leader of Latino business opportunities in the market place. In addition, the LBA helps Latino- owned businesses grow by providing business-training workshops and developing effective advocacy programs.

More than a leader in the business world, the LBA transcends political, cultural, and language barriers that impact our nation's economic balance. As a result of the LBA's hard work, Latino businesses, executives, and entrepreneurs are not only nationally recognized, but have the opportunity to influence the nation's economic public policy.

As the Latino population continues to grow, the development of new corporations and entrepreneurial businesses will jumpstart our economy. I believe the LBA will be at the forefront among strong and influential business organizations offering support and direction to the Latino business community.

Tonight's 28th Annual Sol Business Awards Gala is a testament to the emerging significance and influence of the Latino business community. I am proud to recognize the LBA, its Board of Directors, and its members for 28 years of successfully generating business opportunities, providing advocacy, and educating the Latino community for business growth. The LBA has distinguished itself as an exceptional leader in Latino business development and I wish it much longevity and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, for over a decade, Women's History Month has celebrated the achievements and accomplishments of women nationwide. The incredible contributions women have made in politics, science, art, and activism, demonstrate some of the revolutionary advancements in American women's rights. Women today follow in the footsteps of pioneers such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Alice Paul, who fought for women's right to vote in 1920, or Dolores Huerta, a contemporary champion of women's rights.

We must continue to create platforms for women's voices and opinions and support a continuing momentum toward women's freedom and equality. During this month and throughout the year, women all across the United States should take a moment to recognize the gains afforded to them through their predecessors' hard work and unwavering commitment to improving the lives and rights for all women.

As a Latina, and one of 16 million Latinas nationwide, I recognize some of the unique and continuing societal obstacles for Latinas--like unequal pay, educational disadvantages, unmet health care needs, and civil rights struggles. I am certain, however, that through the work of courageous leaders in our community, our accomplishments and contributions as women of color will continue to grow well into the future.

Together, women will continue to make the difference.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to recognize and celebrate the birthday of Cesar E. Chavez. Cesar Chavez, an icon in the Latino community and beyond, would have been 77 today.

Cesar Chavez was born near Yuma, Arizona, and grew up in migrant labor camps, into the poverty of a migrant worker's life. He became a historical figure who embodied humility and extraordinary strength in his peaceful struggle towards social justice. He dedicated his life to tirelessly championing the rights of farm laborers and along with Dolores Huerta, founded the United Farm Workers union, fighting for better wages, conditions and respect for farmworkers.

I have introduced the Cesar E. Chavez Lands Legacy Act (H.R. 1034) to ensure that Americans can fully understand his life, vision, and impact on improving the lives of millions of Americans. I hope that his legacy and memory will someday become a fundamental piece of American history so that all Americans will understand the fight that Cesar Chavez began in the fields, a fight for social justice, civil rights, and human rights that continues today. Thanks to this fight, the Latino community, including myself, has been able to enjoy certain benefits and privileges that otherwise might not have been possible.

Mr. Speaker, last week I met with the Esperanza Senior Citizen Club in City Terrace in East Los Angeles to discuss the new Medicare prescription drug law enacted last year. The seniors there had many, many questions. They asked me how the law will affect them and will it provide affordable drugs. Unfortunately, I had to tell them that the law does nothing to lower the cost of prescription drugs. In fact, I told them that it prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from negotiating lower prices. They were star struck. They could not believe that that is what we had passed here in the Congress.

In short, the law increases profits for big pharmaceutical companies and fails to protect seniors. The Esperanza Senior Club was shocked when they learned the truth about the new law because they felt that Congress had abandoned them. They told me to go back to Washington and they told me to renegotiate, to open up a discussion on that piece of legislation, because for them and the district that I represent, still they are not able to afford their drugs, their medications; and they want choices. They wanted to know if they were going to have the same physician caring for them in the HMOs.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the distinguished chairperson of the Black Caucus, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings), for yielding me this time; and I rise to support the alternative Progressive Caucus and Black Caucus budget that is before us today.

The Republican majority refuses to finance priorities that are most important to working families in America. They lack any support for guaranteed health care, jobs, and a clean environment. The House Republican budget will severely damage our Nation's health care system by cutting $2.2 billion over the next 5 years in Medicaid and SCHIP programs; and in my State of California, 6.5 million people will be affected by those cuts. Mr. Chairman, 51 million Americans currently rely on the Medicaid program.

While President Bush has been in office, in fact, we have lost over 3 million jobs. In my district alone, we lost 20,000. This Republican budget denies an opportunity to provide jobs, 500,000 new jobs in infrastructure development. And on top of that, they cut back on EPA funding 7 percent across the board. That means dirty water, dirty air, and a dirty environment.

This Progressive and Black Caucus budget fully funds Leave No Child Behind, it doubles Federal funding for Historically Black Colleges and Hispanic Serving Institutions, it increases Pell grants to college students, and it increases funding for the COPS program, community policing grants. The Republican budget ignores the needs of working families.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support the Progressive and Black Caucus alternative budget.

Mr. Chairman, I rise against the Republican budget because it cuts funds for Violence Against Women by $22 million, which is a 5.7 percentage cut below the 2004 budget.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Marina Martinez. She was a true leader and an inspirational woman who passed away on March 15, 2004.

A community activist in El Sereno, California, Marina Martinez promoted parental involvement and advocated for parental rights to ensure that every child receives a quality education. She began her lifelong commitment to children by volunteering both as a Girl Scout leader and Boy Scout den mother in 1959. Since that time, Marina chaired numerous organizations and provided leadership to many local, State, and Federal organizations. These organizations and positions included the Compensatory Education Advisory in 1972 and the Bilingual Teacher Training Center in 1976. Most notably, she was appointed by the dean of the School of Education to serve as a member of the Advisory Committee of the Bilingual Teacher Training Center.

Marina Martinez also served as the council appointee to the Citizens Unit for Participation in Housing and Community Development in 1978 and was a proud member of other long-standing community-based organizations in El Sereno. These organizations included the Mexican-American Education Commission, National Clients Council for the Legal Aid Foundation, the Community Alliance for Education, and the El Sereno Community Coordinating Council.

Even with the tragic death of her son Ismael Martinez on December 7, 1980, Marina and her husband, Joe, did not move away from their El Sereno community. On the contrary, they turned their pain into strength and vowed to help other families with similar tragedies by establishing the Victims of Crime in El Sereno (VOCES). Several years ago, Marina's beloved husband, Joe, passed away.

Marina was a loving and caring community leader. Every Christmas, she made sure that victims of senseless violence would not be forgotten. Her message was shared throughout the community every December by organizing tree lighting ceremonies in Huntington Drive, with each tree decorated with red ribbons honoring the deceased victims.

I have known and supported Marina since my years as a California State Assembly member. She leaves behind three grown children and a beautiful community she helped build. She will always be remembered for her stewardship and hard work to improve her community and the citizens who lived in it. We will miss her greatly, and may she rest in peace.